You went to your VA medical appointment, you filed your claim for travel reimbursement, and now you’re waiting. And waiting. It’s a frustratingly common experience for veterans to be left wondering, “Where’s my VA travel pay?”
At Cameron Firm, PC, we believe you shouldn’t have to fight for a benefit you’ve already earned. This guide will walk you through how the VA travel pay system works, the most common reasons for delays, and a clear action plan you can take today to get the money you are owed.
How VA Travel Pay Is Supposed to Work
The VA’s Beneficiary Travel program is designed to reimburse eligible veterans for the cost of traveling to and from their medical appointments.
Who is eligible?
Generally, you may be eligible for travel pay if you meet one of these criteria:
- You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher.
- You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition.
- You receive a VA pension.
- Your income falls below the maximum annual VA pension rate.
- You’re traveling for a scheduled C&P exam.
What does it cover?
The VA reimburses for several expenses, including:
- Mileage: Currently 41.5 cents ($0.415) per mile for travel in your personal vehicle. The VA calculates this based on the fastest route from your home to the closest VA facility that can provide your care.
- Tolls and Parking: You can be reimbursed for bridge, road, and tunnel tolls, as well as parking fees.
- Other Transportation: In some cases, plane, train, or taxi fares may be covered if approved.
It’s important to know that the VA deducts $3 for each one-way trip ($6 round-trip) from your payment until you’ve paid a total of $18 for the month. After that, you’ll be paid the full amount for the rest of that month.
The #1 Reason for Delays: Your Bank Account
The single most common reason for a delayed travel pay reimbursement is an issue with direct deposit.
The VA now processes nearly all travel payments through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If you don’t have your bank account information correctly set up in the VA system, your payment will be held. Many veterans assume the VA will mail a check, but this is often not the case anymore.
Your Action Plan: What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If you’re waiting on a payment, don’t just keep waiting. Take these steps to figure out what’s going on.
Step 1: Log in to the BTSSS Portal
The fastest way to manage your travel pay is through the VA’s Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS). This is the official online portal where you can file new claims and, most importantly, check the status of existing ones.
- You can access the BTSSS portal using a verified Login.gov or ID.me account.
- Once logged in, you should be able to see a history of your claims and their current status (e.g., “Submitted,” “In Process,” “Paid”).
Step 2: Verify Your Direct Deposit (EFT) Information
While you’re logged into your VA account, check your profile to confirm that your direct deposit information is on file and correct. If it’s missing or outdated, your payment will not be processed. You may need to contact your local VA medical center’s Beneficiary Travel office to add or update your information.
Step 3: File Within 30 Days
The VA has a strict deadline: you must file your claim within 30 days of your medical appointment. If you miss this window, you will not be able to get reimbursed. The BTSSS portal is the quickest way to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Step 4: Contact the Beneficiary Travel Office
If you’ve checked the BTSSS portal and your direct deposit is correct, but you still haven’t received payment, it’s time to call for help.
- You can call the BTSSS toll-free call center at 855-574-7292. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
- You can also call the Beneficiary Travel office at the specific VA facility where you received care.
You’ve Earned This Benefit
Navigating the VA system can be a challenge, but you shouldn’t have to give up on a benefit you are entitled to. By using the BTSSS portal and ensuring your direct deposit information is up to date, you can significantly reduce delays and get your reimbursement faster.
If you are facing larger issues with getting the VA disability benefits you deserve, our team is here to help. Contact Cameron Firm, PC today for a free consultation.
